Technical features of esophageal stent deployment

Abstract

To work out the optimal technique of endoscopic stenting of the esophagus (ESE) using various delivery devices (DD); to analyze immediate and long-term results of stenting depending on the type of DD. ESE results were studied in 83 patients. Group 1 included 41 patients with implantation of metal stents delivered on a knitted tubular casing (21 stents with proximal opening and 20 stents with distal opening). Group 2 consisted of 42 patients who underwent ESE using a DD in the form of a contracting outer shell. In the 1st group, DD «stumbling» in 6 cases (14.6%) required additional tubular hollow rigid conductor. In the 2nd group, there was no need for additional conductor (p=0.011). Intraoperative stent repositioning after its initial installation was required in 7 cases (17.1%) of the 1st group and 16 cases (38.1%) of the 2nd group (p=0.033). Higher likelihood of stent repositioning was observed in distal stent opening. Technical success rate was 100% in both groups. Clinical success rate was 100% in the 1st group and 97.6% in the 2nd group (p>0.05). Incidence of early and long-term postoperative complications was similar (p>0.05). ESE with various DDs is safe and effective in patients with malignant unresectable esophageal tumors and symptoms of dysphagia. However, certain features of stent installation should be considered. In our opinion, DD with proximal disclosure is more convenient due to better visual positioning of stent.